remote access vpn

How Do Remote Access VPNs Work, and Why Should Companies Start Using them?

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PUREVPNPrivacy & SecurityHow Do Remote Access VPNs Work, and Why Should Companies Start Using them?

If you’re a remote worker or starting as a freelancer who works with various clients worldwide, this blog is for you. This guide includes why remote access VPNs are best suited for remote workers and why you should consider using one.

What is a Remote Access VPN?

A Remote Access Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows you to remotely establish a secure connection to a private network or the internet. 

It serves as a virtual tunnel through which data is encrypted and transmitted, safeguarding it from unauthorized access. 

Businesses commonly use the technology to provide their employees with secure access to company resources from external locations.

For instance: 

  1. Consider an employee from another country who needs to access sensitive company files stored on the corporate server. 
  2. Using a Remote Access VPN, the employee can experience a secure connection over the internet to the company’s network, ensuring that the data transmitted remains confidential and protected from cyber threats. 
  3. Using remote access VPNs also ensures better bandwidth and prevents delays in communication.

How Does a Remote Access VPN Work?

A Remote Access Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure and encrypted connection between a remote device, such as your computer or a smartphone, and a private network, like a company’s internal network. 

This connection is established through a specialized VPN software or app. When you initiate a connection, the VPN encrypts the data before sending it through a secure tunnel on the internet to a VPN server.

The VPN server will decrypt your data, allowing it to interact with the resources on the private network, such as files or applications. This ensures enhanced safety on both end-points.

Internet routing

Benefits of Using a Remote Access VPN

Remote Access VPN is your need when accessing any network remotely. Here are some benefits to discuss:

Prevent Unauthorized Access

Safeguarding against unauthorized access is the main benefit of remote access VPN. It ensures that internal networks and resources can only be reached by those authorized to log in utilizing various verification tools.

Reduce the Attack Surface

One crucial aspect is minimizing the risk of cyberattacks, primarily when employees work from outside the office. Using a VPN employs a secure tunnel for data transmission and ensures that you won’t disclose your online activities even when connecting to unsecured WiFi networks.

Zero-Trust Strategy

With continuous reinforcement of authentication at various stages, remote VPNs ensure a zero-trust strategy to keep systems safe from all sides. This makes it difficult for intruders to deploy illicit activities at a large scale.

Connected Teams Online

Remote Access VPNs help teams to get connected securely. They can share work and thoughts and communicate without being tracked or becoming victims of identity theft or rising threats like phishing.

Difference between site-to-site VPN and remote access VPN

There are two primary types of VPNs: site-to-site and remote access.

Site-to-site VPNs provide a secure connection between two locations, usually between two office locations. Remote access VPNs offer employees a safe way to connect to the company network from outside the office.

Who needs vpn for remote access purevpn vpn

Both site-to-site and remote access VPNs have their advantages and disadvantages. Site-to-site VPNs are more expensive and complex to set up, but they offer a higher level of security and are more scalable. Remote access VPNs are less costly and easier to set up, but they may be less secure.

It is essential to consider your needs and budget when choosing a VPN. If you need a high level of security and scalability, a site-to-site VPN may be the best option. If you need a less expensive and easier-to-set-up solution, a remote access VPN may be better.

Consider using a reputable business VPN like PureDome, to ensure remote work security. With dedicated customer support and advanced security features, PureDome ensures that your business network remains protected and accessible, regardless of your location.

How to set up a VPN for remote access

There are a few things you’ll need to set up a remote access VPN:

  • A router that supports VPN connections. This is typically a business-class router, and most home-use routers don’t support VPNs
  • A computer can connect to the router and has the necessary software installed. This could be a laptop, desktop, or even a smartphone.
  • An Internet connection. This is required so that the computer can connect to the router and then to the VPN server.
  • A VPN server. Your employer could provide this, or you can set up your own using software such as OpenVPN or SoftEther VPN Server.
  • VPN client software. This is installed on the computer and is used to connect to the VPN server. Many VPN servers will provide their client software, but many third-party options are also available

Once you have all of these things, you’ll be ready to set up your remote access VPN. The exact steps will vary depending on your router and VPN server, so it’s best to consult your specific documentation. But in general, the process goes something like this:

  1. Configure the router for VPN connections. This usually involves enabling the “VPN passthrough” setting and creating a user account for each person using the VPN.
  2. Install the VPN client software on the computer and connect to the VPN server. This will usually require entering the server address, your username and password, and other required settings.
  3. Once you’re connected, you’ll be able to access the resources on the VPN server as if you were physically on the same network. This includes things like shared folders, printers, and other devices.
  4. When you’re done using the VPN, disconnect from the server and close the client software.

That’s all there is to it! Setting up a remote access VPN is a great way to securely connect to another network, whether for work or to access files while away from home. Just make sure you have all the necessary components before getting started.

How to connect to an office network using a VPN

If you need to connect to your office network from outside of the office, you can use a VPN service. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure connection between your computer and the office network. This allows you to access all the duplicate files and applications you would if you were inside the office.

Importance of Remote access vpn purevpn

To connect to your office network using a VPN, you will first need to install a VPN client on your computer. Once you have installed the VPN client, please open it and enter the address of your office’s VPN server. You will also need to enter your username and password for the VPN.

Once you have connected to the VPN, you should be able to access your office network just as if you were inside the office. If you have any trouble connecting to your office network using a VPN, contact your service provider for help.

Is VPN safer than a remote desktop?

There is no definitive answer to this question. Both VPN and remote desktop can offer increased security and privacy for your internet connection, but which one is right for you depends on your specific needs and threats.

If you’re worried about someone snooping on your traffic, a VPN can help. VPNs encrypt your data before leaving your device, making it much harder for anyone to intercept and read your information.

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On the other hand, a remote desktop is better suited for accessing resources on a remote network. For example, if you need to access a work computer from home, you can use a remote desktop to connect to it. A remote desktop creates a secure connection between your two devices, so you can be confident that your data is safe.

Both VPN and remote desktop have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to choose the right one for you. If you’re not sure which one to use, talk to your IT department or a security expert.

Why Should Companies Start Using Remote Access VPN?

The use of Remote Access VPNs enhances security. These VPNs employ encryption protocols to safeguard data transmission, shielding sensitive company information from potential breaches. 

Remote access VPNs enable your organizations to enforce strict access controls and authentication measures, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the network. 

They preserve the integrity of sensitive data and contribute to compliance with regulatory requirements, which are essential in various industries.

With all the fantastic benefits, remote access VPNs can sometimes be annoying. This happens when you experience slow speed, which might be due to server communication. It is, therefore, advised to choose a fast VPN, such as PureVPN.

Get PureVPN for secure remote access solution

If you’re looking for a remote access solution that’s both easy to use and reliable, PureVPN is perfect. With our intuitive interface and round-the-clock live support, getting up and running with PureVPN is a breeze. And because we have servers in 78+ countries, you can be sure that you’ll always have a fast and secure connection no matter where you are.

Further, PureVPN offers Dedicated IP as an add-on to help you get a static IP address hidden from your internet service provider and allows you to transfer files from your client’s server securely to your computer at home. Plus, you can enhance protection against digital threats on every communication channel. 

Why choose PureVPN?

There are many reasons to choose PureVPN for your remote access VPN needs. Here are just a few:

  • Provides AES-256 bit encryption to keep your data safe and secure
  • Has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your privacy is always protected
  • Offers Dedicated IP and Port Forwarding add-ons 
  • Has a 31-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Remote Access VPN?

A remote access VPN is a technology in which a virtual private network connects you remotely to a desired server to create a secure and untraceable connection. 
Remote VPNs are mostly used in organizations to connect employees to sensitive companies’ servers to maintain privacy and integrity with better speed and reliability.

Do you need a VPN for remote access?

If you want to access your home or work computer from a remote location, you’ll need to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN is handy if you’re using public WiFi because it’ll help keep your data safe from hackers. Even if you’re not using public WiFi, a VPN can still help protect your privacy. If you’re concerned about someone monitoring your online activity, a VPN can help prevent that.

Is remote access VPN safe?

Yes, remote access VPNs are safe. VPNs use encryption to protect your data, and they offer a secure way to connect to the internet. However, you should always be cautious when using any VPN and make sure that you trust the provider. Some free VPNs are not a good choice for remote access VPNs because they sell data to the highest bidder and make money in exchange for ads.

Is remote access and VPN the same?

The most significant difference is that a VPN allows access to a specific network. Whereas remote desktop access lets you control the device you wish to use. VPNs are safer to use because they encrypt incoming traffic and hide your real IP address from ISPs.

Is Remote Access the same as VPN?

No, they are related but are not exact.
Remote access is a broad term that refers to the ability to connect to a network or a system from a location other than the one where the network or system is physically located. 
This can be done through various technologies like VPNs, remote desktop services, SSH, and more.

How to use a VPN remotely?

Using a VPN is easy and safeguards your security in the best way. To use a VPN remotely:
1- Select a VPN with servers that best suit your work location.
2- Subscribe and download the respective application for your device.
3- Connect and access files, applications, and data safely!

What is remote access vs Site-to-Site VPN?

Remote access VPNs are designed to allow individuals or devices to securely connect to a corporate or private network from a remote location, such as working from home or a coffee shop. 
Site-to-site VPNs establish secure connections between entire networks or multiple organizational locations, such as remote offices, data centers, or cloud environments. 
The purpose of both is the same, but the scope is different.

author

Sameed Ajax

date

January 1, 2024

time

3 months ago

6-Feet Tall Tech writer.

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